When Stun Gun Fails to Stun, Suspect Restrained the Old-Fashioned Way

West Des Moines Police used a stun gun twice in an unsuccesful attempt to restrain a West Des Moines man who refused to be arrested before stopping the suspect the old-fashioned way — with backup and physical force.

The suspect, Matthew Alan Elgin, 46, of 2437 Scenic Valley Drive, was not injured in Friday afternoon's confrontation, according to a police report. He was charged with public intoxication and interference with official acts.

Police became involved after a motorist tipped off authorities that a possibly intoxicated driver had struck a median on Grand Avenue before pulling into the Hy-Vee parking lot at 1990 Grand Ave.

According to a police incident report, the vehicle was unoccupied when police arrived, but Officer Matt McCarty saw Elgin approach the pickup carrying an 18-pack of beer and a grocery bag. Elgin told McCarty the pickup belonged to him, but he had not been driving.

Police said Elgin repeatedly shouted “No” and “No, I am not under arrest” as McCarty attempted to handcuff him. As Elgin turned to walk away, McCarty warned Elgin he would use a stun gun to stop him.

McCarty said he used his Taser gun twice, first deploying it to an area on Elgin’s back, but that appeared to have no effect, and he used it a second time in the chest. That also did not stop Elgin.

A second officer arrived to assist McCarty and they took Elgin to the ground, where, after multiple commands, the report said he placed his hands behind his back and was handcuffed.

The officers held Elgin to the ground for a few minutes until they believed he had calmed down. When they helped him stand up and then ordered him to sit on the bumper of the squad car to await West Des Moines Emergency Medical Services for an evaluation, Elgin refused to sit down and was forced to sit down.

Elgin again stood up and resisted officers as they attempted to force him to sit. He was again wrestled to the ground and held there until a third officer arrived.

Elgin was evaluated by EMS responders and the Taser probes were removed from his back. There did not appear to be any marks on Elgin’s body as a result of the use of the stun gun, according to McCarty’s report.